Customer Reviews

DELTA 36-600 10-Inch Table Saw

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I bought this saw, when I convinced my wife that I'd need it to build a fence. Little did I know how much I would end up using it for that project.

We ended up ripping just over 450 2x4's to be used as the stiles in the fence. That project alone was worth the price of this saw.

For each of the 8 foot cross members that the stiles attached to, I chose to add a 15 degree bevel to the top edge (so water wouldn't pool on it). 104 of the bevel cuts later, I'm starting to have feelings for this saw.

Then to top it all off (and the fence posts) Each of the 32 6x6 posts needed a cap. An 8"x8" piece of 2 inch thick stock cut at a bevel to form a very substantial Mission style finish to each of the posts.

If this were the only project I was going to use it for, I could throw a cover on the saw and know that I've gotten my money's worth already...but I think that the fun's just beginning.

Is it the last saw I'll buy? Probably not. If I find I need something with more accuracy then I might have to upgrade to a stronger cabinet saw, but for an introduction to a table saw, this is the one to buy.

Oh, add a mobile base from the start and you'll be much happier, especially if you have to share your garage with a car, and the rest of your tool collection. It makes dragging it out of the way, that much easier.

This was the first woodworking machine that I ever bought. I had previously owned many hand-held power tools, but when I decided I wanted to get more serious about pursuing a hobby in woodworking, this was my first purchase. It is a quality machine, and the fit and finish are good right out of the box. The fence design and accuracy are excellent. For the first couple of years, all I ever did with this saw was rip thin stock (1" thick or less). As I acquired more tools, I was able to buy rough stock in greater thicknesses to plane and dress at home. As my furniture making became more sophisticated, I began to encounter situations where I needed to rip 2" or 3" hardwood slabs (for legs and such). This is where I outgrew this saw. Although it will make a valiant attempt at it, ripping 3" thick slabs of oak bogs this saw down to the point of non-performance.

If all you ever plan to do is putter around the garage and do home improvement stuff, this is the saw for you. However, if you plan on eventually building furniture and other, more demanding projects, then spend more money on a more powerful saw.

I have used this saw for three years as part of my hobby building furniture. When I bought it, I expected that I would use it for the occassional project only but have ended up using it much more than I ever thought I would as my woodworking hobby has blossomed. The decision to buy it seemed a good one at the time; I just wish now I had spent the money to begin with for a high quality saw and been done with it. But hindsight is always 20-20.

Good points. It is relatively light and can be moved around fairly easily. The fence is repeatable and accurate enough for woodworking. The saw is fully enclosed so dust collection is easier to implement than on a regular contractor's saw. The T-square fence easily allows for jigs to be put over it.

Bad points. The universal motor is ear deafening, wake the neighbors LOUD. The thing vibrates quite a bit and adjustments have to be locked in tight. The fence at its fullest extension flexes especially when trying to rip heavy sheet goods which can be very dangerous. Lacks power for thick stock; had great difficulty cutting 2x4 pine on a 45 with this saw and a fairly sharp blade. I have a fairly large amount of runout (in the 1/64" - 1/32" range just looking at it by eye). The miter guage, the blade guard and kickback cauls all are a terrible design (but this is true of all standard equipment on saws so not really a fair complaint). The fence is exactly one degree off of perfectly square to the tablesaw top and has been since I bought it (I never considered it enough of a problem to bother Delta about).

Unless you know you are only going to have occassional use of the saw, buy up the line a bit. I bought it on that premise, but my needs have changed. I have used other saws that are truly a joy to use and behold since they have a very solid feel about them and are relatively quiet. This one is not one of them. Two hundred more dollars buys a LOT more saw.

I do a lot of woodwork. I had a little contractor's saw (the kind you can easily carry to and from a truck), and needed more. There were a few good saws, but they were just another contractor's saw...then I saw this one in a Home Depot. For about the price of a contractor's saw you get soooo much more. The fence stays square and accurate, the fence gauge (that measures the distance between blade and fence) is accurate to 1/32 of an inch. When you stick with "thin kerf" saw blades the motor's lack of power (when compaired to cabinet saws) never becomes a problem, even with oak and maple. HOWEVER, it is important to note that this thing is heavy and not easy to lug around. If you want to use it on a construction sight, there are other saws that would be better, BUT if you want to have a cabinet saw and don't want to spend the money for one....here is what you're looking for. I love mine.

I purchased this tool several months ago and have had plenty of time to work with it. In 15 years of woodworking, I have not heard a louder machine (I didn't heed to the warnings of other reviews on Amazon regarding the noise level). Plan on using hearing protection every time you flip the switch. There are plenty of 15 amp motors on the market not nearly as loud. I expected better from Delta.

That said, the main reason I purchased this over a typical contactor saw is because the motor is inside the body of the saw, not protruding out the back. I have limited space in my garage and a contractor saw wouldn't fit in front of the car.

The belt inside the motor casing (probably the source of the ear-splitting db levels) definitely gives an advantage over direct drive saws absorbing the load while ripping, much like a contractor saw.

The table seems extremely flat and the extension wings support weight well. The blade raises quickly and easily with just a few turns and this saw has plenty of power, cutting through 3/4" oak easily. The fence, though simple in design works well, locking in accurately with very little play once locked. The blade guard is difficult to set up accurately and will not stay up on its own, requiring removal for blade changes.

If you are not limited by space and have an extra hundred or so dollars, opt for a contractor-style saw. However, this is an impressive tool for the money and would be a great saw for a beginner or average woodworker. I just wish I could get my hearing back.

Bought this saw a few months ago and I am very pleased with it.

This is a simple small table saw made for home owners who want some of the benefits of a heavy contractor/cabinet saw without the size and cost. Who, at the same time, want more than a lightweight portable on a stand. With this in mind it fits the bill perfectly.

....

I do allot of home improvements, make the occasional bookcase/desk/shelves/table etc. For these purposes this saw is great. It's all you'll ever need. It's accurate enough, stable and smooth. The fence is great. ....

.... The saw is very loud. I had a tough time getting the blade guard splitter line up with the blade. A mobile base is the way to go. I'm not aware of a dust collection accessory made for this saw. I keep a cardboard box under it until I get around to making something better. The on/off swith is too small and in a poor location.

In summary I highly recommend this saw for those with reasonable expectations.

I bought this saw at a Lowe's.... (Sorry Toolcrib) The instructions were easy to follow. It only took me about one and a half hours to put it together. It was fairly easy. It is very heavy , but with a mobile base, you will be much happier. Adjusting the guide rails can be a bit of a pain. You will need a good ajustible combination square to adjust the rails. Otherwise, it is a very well built saw (just what you'd expect from Delta) and the rip fence is very accurate. My rip fence didn't align perfectly square at first, but there are two bolts that you can adjust. The universal motor is very loud. It sucks up a lot of electricity too. (I had two unscrew the floodlights on my garage so I wouldn't trip the circuit breaker) The motor packs plenty of power and doesn't bogg down much at all. My saw does not vibrate at all. It has overall excellent performance and cuts very well. It is a happy little saw and I love mine.

I make a lot of furniture. The tool that gets used the most is my table saw. Next to it is my radial saw. I read the other reviews, some were good and some were bad. The New Yankee once said that the accuracy was built into the radial saw, but it had to be provided by the operator for the table saw. He was right. This is the reason for the bad reviews. This table saw is right on the money. I take the time to use feather boards, hold down clamps, etc. I've also made a sliding miter table like my new yankee friend has, and it works good. I have never had a problem with this saw. I also use good blades. But I do have to admit that if I have to crosscut a 12" board or smaller, then I do it on my radial saw. It's easier and faster. It is true that this saw is loud. But I also have a craftsman table saw, and for noise, it would rival a B-52 taking off. Be that as it may, this is a great little saw. Operations for cutting dados, tenons, tongue and groove, miters, boxjoints and almost anything else can be done easily and with presision using this saw. Sometimes it even surprises me at how well this saw works. In the final analysis, if you're in the market for a table saw that is easy to assemble, accurate, holds it's trueness, a liile noisy, and easy on the pocket book, then consider this one. For those who already own this saw with less than satisfactory results, follow the instruction manual, use only good quality blades, take you time and be patient. Unlike the radial saw, the accuracy of the table saw is not built in. It must be provided by the operator. Remember what the New Yankee always says, "Measure twice.... Cut once.

I'd been looking at tablesaws for more than six months before I bought the 36-600; and I've been extremely pleased with my decision.

Setup of the saw took me 90 minutes. You'll need a socket set and a good combination square. Its also a good idea to layout all the parts and identify each one before you get too far along.

Performance-wise this saw has been great. It is quite loud, but I have found that adding a zero-clearance throat plate and a dust-collection chute underneath reduce the noise substantially. With the standard T-square fence you are limited to about a 26" width of cut, but that is sufficient for most home projects. Adding the zero-clearance thoat plate, a dust collection chute, and a mobile base are "must-do" items to maximize your enjoyment of the saw. One extra thing I plan on doing is replacing the standard "toggle" switch on the side with a mushroom-head type pushbutton type. I much prefer being able to turn the saw off with my hip, rather than having to reach around with my hand.

The supplied blade-guard/splitter does require careful adjustment each time you install it. Unfortunately this seems to be true of all such "standard" systems. I can't really justify putting a ...snap-in splitter, and a ...overarm blade guard on a ... tablesaw. This is one area that tablesaw manufacturers need to work on....

I have had this saw for about 2 months. It's very accurate. The fence has a very positive lock. The ruler to blade is extremely accurate. Can't say enough good about it (especially at the price). One compaint, the on/off switch is on the right side. Sometimes makes me a little nervous!